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Earthquakes and Faith

Paul and Silas were going about their business as believers when they healed a demon possessed girl and were arrested.

While in prison, an earthquake occurred that caused the jailer to believe in their God and the jailer’s whole family followed suit and was baptized.

Then, when they were released, Paul and Silas went to Lydia’s, and instead of complaining about being wrongfully imprisoned, encouraged their brothers to continue on in the faith.

I think sometimes when it comes to “sharing our faith” we are waiting for some act of God before we step out. Or that even if we step out, it will take an act of God for the person to believe.

The truth is God allows these “acts” in our lives all the time.

We can choose to see “earthquakes” as tragedy or allow them to become the miracles that strengthen our faith and engage the faith of others.

God has allowed some major earthquakes in my thirty-five years:

child of a divorced home and sexually abused as a young teen to a married wife of 15 years and mother of two beautiful girls

feeling of betrayal by the church as a young twenty something to a woman ready to be the church wherever she goes

watching family members wander from faith to seeing them once again come back to Christ

financial bondage to financial freedom that allows us to give and pursue God’s calling like never before

a child that struggled academically for years to a diagnosis and therapy that has allowed her to flourish

and from the bondage of fear to the exhilaration of chasing God sized dreams while battling the effects of a serious medical condition

Many of these earthquakes have shaken me to the core of my faith, but I’ve come out stronger on the other side for them. And, in the aftershocks of them, I have had the privilege of speaking into other’s lives.

See the business Paul and Silas were doing was telling their story. They were sharing with others the Jesus they knew and loved and were empowered by.

That’s our business too.

In today’s culture walking up to someone and asking them, “If you were to die today, do you know where you’d be going?” is awkward. I know, it was awkward 25 plus years ago when I knocked on doors as a kid.

BUT

When people know you’ve gone through or are going through an earthquake of your own, they watch and listen. They notice the way we act and react. They want to know just what it is that keeps us going with a smile on our faces. They want to know what it is that allows us to continue to encourage our brothers even in the midst of adversity.

“Earthquakes” in life may shake us up, but they are an opportunity to build a faith that’s unshakable. (Click to Tweet)

Earthquakes still happen. They still shake the foundations of faith. They still present us with opportunities to share the saving grace of Jesus with others.

For this very reason, I am thankful for the earthquakes in my life, and the after shocks that still create opportunity for me to grow in my faith and share that with others.

What About You?

This is place of community and conversation. A dialogue is taking place. Here are some ways you can participate:

Leave a response in the comments below. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? If you’re still not sure what to say try answering these questions: Have you experienced some earthquakes? Did you see them as opportunity or tragedy? How has God used them to strengthen your faith and to bring others to faith?

Did you like what you read? Did you learn anything? Gain any insight? Then share that with others. Let your friends know. Use the share buttons as a way of engaging others in this dialogue.

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Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

David Mike

Prison was what I planned when I joined the Army. However the potential impact that I may have by sharing about God’s forgiveness makes it an awesome opportunity.

http://www.shellytiffin.com Shelly Tiffin

It is a great opportunity and you are definitely using it for God’s Glory. Keep shining brightly friend.

http://freedtofly.me Trudy Den Hoed

I’m so sorry about the earthquakes in your life, Shelly, but I’m so grateful you have grown stronger through them. One of the biggest earthquakes in my life was spiritual, emotional and sexual abuse by a pastor. Sometimes I wish I could see more profit in it, but I do know I would not feel the empathy I feel for hurting souls if it hadn’t happened. I want to live more as a thriver rather than a survivor, but sometimes it’s hard. Thank you for this encouraging post.

http://www.shellytiffin.com Shelly Tiffin

Thank you for sharing honestly Trudy. I am who I am today because of those earthquakes. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t trade a single one. God has used them to shape me and to show me Himself in ways I would have never known otherwise. I want my life to represent hope, His hope.

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